Falcons Prioritize Drake London Extension

GM says wide receiver's new deal is 'top of mind' for the team.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Falcons' plans to extend star receiver Drake London reflect the team's commitment to building around their young offensive core.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Falcons are closely monitoring wide receiver Drake London's contract situation, with General Manager Ian Cunningham stating that a potential extension for the 2022 first-round pick is 'top of mind' for the organization. This comes after the recent record-setting deal signed by Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which has impacted the Falcons' planning for their own star wideout.

Why it matters

London has emerged as a key offensive weapon for the Falcons, and locking him up long-term is a priority for the team as they look to build around their young core. Cunningham's comments indicate the Falcons are closely tracking the receiver market and preparing to make London a competitive offer to keep him in Atlanta.

The details

London is set to play the 2026 season on his fifth-year option, making him a prime candidate for a contract extension. Cunningham said the team is already 'thinking about all of these different things moving forward' in terms of London's deal, as well as potential extensions for tight end Kyle Pitts (who received the franchise tag this offseason) and running back Bijan Robinson.

  • Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed a record-setting contract extension with the Seahawks earlier this month.

The players

Drake London

A wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, who was the team's first-round pick in 2022 and has emerged as a top offensive weapon.

Ian Cunningham

The General Manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who stated that extending London is 'top of mind' for the organization.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who recently signed a contract extension that set a new high for average annual salary at the position.

Kyle Pitts

The Falcons' star tight end who received the franchise tag this offseason.

Bijan Robinson

The Falcons' running back who is now eligible for a contract extension.

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What they’re saying

“'I think it's top of mind. I think all of these type of decisions are top of mind just in terms of you know its coming, but right now we are really focused on this wave of free agency, we have the draft coming — but don't think for one second that that hasn't been thought of. Don't think for one second that we aren't already thinking about all of these different things moving forward.'”

— Ian Cunningham, Falcons General Manager

What’s next

The Falcons will need to determine whether to exercise London's fifth-year option for 2026 or work to sign him to a long-term extension in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Falcons are making Drake London's contract extension a top priority, recognizing the need to lock up their young star receiver amid a shifting wide receiver market. This reflects the team's commitment to building around London as a core piece of their offense for years to come.